Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
USA - For all the gum chewers across the nation you can officially celebrate National Chewing Gum Day each year on September 30th.
Humans have used chewing gum for over 5,000 years.
Various forms of chewing gum has existed since the Neolithic period. 5,000-year-old chewing gum which was made from bark tar, with tooth imprints in it, was found in Kierikki, Yli-li, Finland. The bark tar, from which the gum during that time was made, is believed to have antiseptic properties and other medicinal advantages.
- Many other cultures chewed gum made from the resin of the mastic tree, from plants, grasses and other resins.
- In 1848, John B. Curtis developed and sold the first commercial chewing gum which was called “The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum”.
- Around 1850, a gum made from paraffin wax was developed and surpassed the spruce gum in popularity.
- December 28, 1869, William Semple filed an early patent on chewing gum, patent number 98,304.
Celebrate National Chewing Gum Day by buying a pack of your favorite flavor of chewing gum and sharing it with your friends.
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
More than 10,000 Missourians take Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge Governor and First Lady continue to log miles, encourage Missourians to help outdoor fitness initiative reach 1 million miles before the end of the year.
Jefferson City, Missouri – The number of Missourians who have taken the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challengepassed the 10,000 mark on Wednesday, and Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are encouraging them to continue logging miles in order to reach the goal of 1 million miles this year.
Launched to promote Missouri’s distinction as the 2013 Best Trails State in America, the outdoor fitness initiative challenges Missourians to complete 100 miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year. Since the official launch on June 1, participants have completed more than 745,000 miles, including 288 miles by the Governor and 289 miles by the First Lady.
“The response to this initiative has been overwhelming, with more than 10,000 Missourians signing up to take the Challenge in the first few months alone,” Gov. Nixon said. “The First Lady and I are proud to celebrate this milestone with thousands of Missourians in every corner of the Show-Me State.
“Reaching our goal of 10,000 participants would not have been possible without the hundreds of families, businesses, and organizations all over the state that have embraced this initiative as a way to improve their health and take part in Missouri’s outdoor heritage,” the Governor said. “With thousands of miles of outstanding trails to enjoy, I encourage Missourians to keep logging their miles online at MO.gov to help us reach our 1 million mile goal later this year.”
Missouri was recently named the “Best Trails State” by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting our nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails. The award recognized efforts by federal, state and local agencies as well as private organizations to expand and improve Missouri’s comprehensive recreational trail system, which offers trails for a wide range of interests and abilities, including hikers, backpackers, cyclists, paddlers and equestrians.
Nearly 200 organizations – including schools, cross country teams and fitness clubs – have signed up to take the Challenge as a group, while almost 30 Missouri businesses have implemented the initiative into office wellness programs to promote overall health and physical activity among employees.
Missouri State Parks is also a top-four finalist for the 2013 National Gold Medal Awards. The Gold Medal Awards program honors communities that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning and program development. This recognition is a reflection of the state's dedication to protecting and preserving Missouri's natural resources.
The Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge is a partnership with the Missouri State Parks, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Division of Tourism and the Office of Administration.
For more information and to take the Challenge, visit MO.gov. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter using #100MoMiles.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri – The Regional Healthcare Foundation would like to announce a new GED Program at Cox Corner. The program is free and the Regional Healthcare Foundation will cover the cost of testing.
All supplies are provided and the program is for anyone 18 years of age or older. Individual test preparation sessions are available with flexible learning hours.
Applications may be obtained at the Regional Healthcare Foundation’s office at 215 West Grant in Dexter between the hours of 9-noon and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact Pam Lewis, GED Coordinator for more information or questions at 573-624-0157. For application click here.
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri- The Stoddard County Fair has officially started! Come out and enjoy the food and activities the fair has to offer! Below are a list of events for the rest of the week.
Wednesday, September 18th
For the livestock: Sheep and Goats will be judged at 6:00 p.m.
Church Services will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Midway.
The magician Magic Mike will be the Ground Act at 6:30 p.m.
Fuse Worship, Tyler Feller, and Kryst Lyke will be on the Midway at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 19th
Bracelet Night at the Stoddard County Fair from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Bracelets are only $20.00.
Cattle, Hogs, and Equine will be judged in Arena A at 6:00 p.m.
Magic Mike will start his magic at 6:30 as the Ground Act.
Flashback will be on the Midway at 7:00 p.m.
The FFA Tractor Rodeo will start in Arena A at 7:00 p.m.
Karaoke will kick off at 7:00 p.m. in Arena B.
Friday, September 20th
The Antique Tractor Pull will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Arena A.
Karaoke is back in Arena B at 7:00 p.m.
Blackjack Billy will be on the Midway at 7:00 p.m.
Magician Magic Mike will start his act at 6:30 p.m. as the Ground Act.
Saturday, September 21st will be the last day of the fair. Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed the fair this year and a special thanks to everyone who made this happen!
The Buyers Breakfast will kick off the last day of the fair starting at 8:00 a.m.
The 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction will follow the breakfast and begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Livestock Barns.
The Stoddard County Youth Pageant will begin at 10 a.m. on the Main Stage.
Magic Mike will end his performance at the Stoddard County Fair with two acts. He will perform at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m.
The 4-H and FFA Public Speaking Contest will start at 3:00 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Youth Events will take place in Arena B starting at 3:00 p.m.
The Demo Derby will start at 7:00 p.m. in Arena A, while Karaoke will kick off at 7:00 p.m. as well in Arena B.
On the Midway Maggie Thorn will perform from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with Anna Katherine DeHart following from 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri- The Demolition Derby sponsored by the Stoddard County Fair Board will be held on September 21st at 7:00 p.m. This is a rain or shine event and will be held at the Stoddard County Fair Grounds!
Admission will be $2.00 for the General Fair
Grandstands will be $5.00
Children ages 5 and under get in FREE
The prize will be $1,500.00 plus Maddog awards!
-Compact cars will get 100% payback
Feature prizes:
1st $1,5000
2nd $ 750
3rd $400
4th $200
5th $100
For more information contact Jason Holman 573-576-0678
